DIY vs. Professional Garage Door Repair: Is It Safe to Change Your Own Springs?
Maintaining a home often comes with a sense of pride in handling repairs yourself. From fixing a leaky faucet to painting a spare bedroom, the "Do It Yourself" spirit is a cornerstone of American homeownership. However, when it comes to the heavy-duty mechanics of your garage, the stakes change significantly. The question of DIY vs. professional garage door repair is one of the most debated topics in home maintenance forums. Specifically, when a spring snaps, the urge to save on labor costs is strong. But is it actually safe to change your own garage door springs? To make an informed decision, you need to understand the mechanics, the risks, and the specialized tools required for this specific task. The Reality of Garage Door Tension To understand the risk, you first have to respect the power behind the system. Your garage door can weigh anywhere from 150 to over 400 pounds. The springs—whether they are torsion springs above the door or extension springs along the tracks—a...